July 23, 2018 · 

turning point

This is the first of a five-part series. New posts will be published every day this week.

Graduation season has got me thinking about turning points: those times in your life when you experience a significant transition.

I call them turning points because you were headed in one direction, but now you are heading in a different one. It is a different direction in three ways. First, your relationships change. Second, you’ve got to learn and apply new skills. And third, you’ll need to spend your time differently than you did before. If you work through these three key areas, you’ll successfully navigate the turning point.

Graduation. Starting your career. Getting married. Having kids. All of these are turning points. So too, are getting your first manager position or ministry leadership role or embracing faith in Jesus as your Lord.

Many turning points occur because it is the natural progression of life. Other turning points are the result of our choices. But, there are times when the turning point happens due to factors beyond our control.

I wish I could tell you that every turning point is a happy occasion. Unfortunately, they are not. When your marriage breaks up, or when you suffer the loss of a loved one, or when health or personal conduct issues force you to step away from your current career path. These are all turning points as well.

Turning points are common in life. In truth, you are either in a turning point or approaching your next one.

So, what turning point are you in or approaching? How will your relationships change? What new skills do you need to learn and apply? How will you spend your time?

The good news is Jesus gave us a model for successfully managing turning points. Over these five days, we’ll talk a closer look at how to navigate turning points.